What
are my choices for color coats?>You have three choices. Poly-Tone, Aero-Thane, or Randolph Ranthane. Poly-Tone is the same basic chemical as Poly-Spray except it contains color pigment. It is easy to spray, easy to repair, and provides a long-lasting satin finish. Aero-Thane and Ranthane are polyurethane paints that provide a high luster and high durability. They are somewhat more difficult to spray. Aero-Thane and Ranthane may be applied to both fabric and metal making them good choices for matching paints on two different types of surfaces. One word of caution: If you are spraying Aero-Thane or Ranthane, you must use a fresh-air breathing source. Like all polyurethane paints, you must not breathe the fumes or mist.

Can
I use Poly-Tone on metal parts?>You can use Poly-Tone on metal parts if you apply
it according to the manual. Basically, that means prime the part
using EP-420 epoxy primer. While the primer is still drying spray
one coat of Poly-Tone directly onto the tacky primer. Let this dry
for 8 hours then spray another coat of Poly-Tone.

How
can I match Poly-Tone on fabric and Aerothane or Ranthane on metal?>This is a good way to spray color on your
airplane. You have the best of both worlds. You can match the two by
adding a flattener to the Aerothane or Ranthane. Each can of flattener has
instructions on how many fluid ounces to add to Aerothane or
Ranthane. This,
along with buffing the Poly-Tone on the fabric will match colors
very well.

What
kind of primer should I use on metal parts?>Use only an epoxy primer. Two colors are
available. Green and white. If you are using a light color as the
final topcoat you should use white primer. Otherwise, the green
color may be difficult to hide.

Do
you think I can spray the color coats myself or should I hire a
professional?>Our recommendation is that you do it yourself.
After spraying the Poly-Spray you will have enough practice and
experience to do a good job with the color coats. Again, practice on
something other than your airplane when you first start spraying
color. You will also want to construct a small spray booth out of
clear plastic to keep dirt and bugs out of the final coats.

What
kind of spray equipment is best to use?>You can use either a high pressure gun or a HVLP
system. Whatever you have been using for your Poly-Spray coats you
can use for color. If you are using Aerothane you will probably need
a different nozzle for the spray gun.

Should
I shake the paint prior to applying it?>Absolutely. Take the topcoat paint to a local
store and have them shake each can for 5 minutes. This way you will
be sure the color pigment is mixed completely. Use the paint within
1 week after shaking.

How
do I thin Poly-Tone?>Poly-Tone is thinned using our regular thinners,
R65-75 or R8500. It should be thinned at the ratio of 1 part thinner
to 4 parts Poly-Tone. Use R8500 when the temperature is above 85
degrees F.

How
many coats of Poly-Tone should I apply?>Normally, three cross-coats of Poly-Tone are
sufficient. You should do no more than 2 cross-coats in a one-day
period. Spray one coat in the morning, let it dry until
mid-afternoon, and then spray another coat.

How
do I mix Aerothane and Ranthane? I notice it has two parts.>You must catalyze both Aero-Thane and Ranthane, and they use different catalysts. Aero-Thane is mixed 3:1 with its catalyst U-865. Ranthane is mixed 2:1 with its catalyst AU-CAT-2X1. For both catalyzed paints, let sit for 20 minutes induction time before thinning with their respective thinners.

Do
I have any time restrictions on using Aerothane and Ranthane paints after
they are catalyzed?>Yes, you should use the catalyzed paint within 5-6 hours;
the sooner applied after the induction period, the
better the durability. Otherwise, it will begin to crosslink and thicken. Mix
only the amount of paint you will be using at one time. If you
happen to mix too much you can place the paint in a freezer (away
from any food) for a short period of time. This slows the chemical
reaction. You can then take it out, let it warm up and spray it.
This will work for a couple of days.

The
can of catalyst I received appears milky. Should I use it?>No. Do not use any catalyst that appears milky or
stringy. Also, if the can is swollen do not use it. Order another
can. The catalyst should appear thin and clear. Be sure to place the
lid on the can tightly when you are finished. Humidity can cause
problems.

How
do I thin Aerothane and Ranthane?
>For standard suction guns (compressors), thin Aero-Thane 33% (3 parts catalyzed Aero-Thane to one part UE-820 Reducer). For turbine-powered HVLPs, you may need to thin more, up to 40%. For standard suction guns (compressors), thin Ranthane 33% (3 parts catalyzed Ranthane to one part G-4200 Thinner). This is a starting point; you may need more. For both paints, after reducing/thinning, filter through a 60x48-mesh or finer paint strainer cone.